PRO4AA Over Ear Headphones

PRO4AA Over Ear Headphones

Koss Pro4AA headphones set the standard for full size professional headphones. They were introduced in 1970 as the first dynamic headphones to deliver true full frequency and high fidelity performance with impressive noise isolating capabilities.Show More

Retired in the late ’80s, Koss swiftly returned the Pro4AA headphones to its product lineup due to overwhelming popular demand. They have since remained a staple of studio headphones in the radio and recording industries.

Koss Pro4AAs meet the stringent demands of broadcast and recording professionals who require reliable equipment and superior performance. The full size professional headphones keep unwanted sounds out while letting every note in.

Whether you’re a sound professional or an audiophile, Pro4AAs deliver superior isolation, accurate reproduction and sound intensity, and the excitement of a live performance with every recording. Connecting with your music has never sounded so good.

User Ratings & Reviews

Overall Score:

Customer Reviews 47 item(s)

42 years and counting ...

Overall

My dad purchased mine as a Christmas gift in December 1976. 42 years and thousands of hours of use and they still work perfectly, including the seals that go over your ears. Uncolored and great sounding; the only downside is that they are heavy as compared to newer models but nothing sounds better than these.
Review by Dave /
(Posted on 12/13/2018)

Second set of Pro 4AA's because they are that good.

Overall

I purchased a set of the Pro 4AA's more than 30 years ago in collage. They still sound great but are uncomfortable to wear because of the old ear cushions and the clips holding the head band cushions had broken up. When someone suggested they still make these I didn't hesitate to order a second pair. The new ones have a different ear and head band cushions that look like a better design and it's more ascetically pleasing but more importantly they sound just as incredible as they did in 1985.
Review by Polyneut /
(Posted on 10/24/2018)

KOSS man 4 life

Overall

In 1970 (48 years ago), my parents purchased a set of KOSS PRO4AA headphones (branded for Radio Shack as Realistic Pro-1) for me, to get Cream, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix out of their ears and solidly into mine. To complete the project, I had to put a 1/4" jack on my Sears Silvertone console stereo "multi-record player". All of my friends had to use them during our record playing marathons, as the sound quality stood out beyond that of the average stereo of the day. The original ear cups were liquid filled and a superior choice to air-filled cups. With time, they somehow evaporated (should have used an oil based product) and were replaced with air-filled cups years ago. They locked out all of the unwanted ambient noise of the real world and dramatically enhanced the low frequencies, kind of like adding a passive-radiator/sub-woofer into the scheme of things. The total frequency range had a more rich, vibrant sound with solid channel separation allowing for the enjoyment of flanging and channel panning effects of those earlier days (you go Jimi). Why are they not still in use?? Recently I lost the right channel and called to see if KOSS could be of any assistance. Sadly, I was informed that they could not help me. I'll try to service them myself and either way, keep them for nostalgia as an "objecto de arto", next to my acrylic G-4 Mirror Doors! The new set I purchase goes to an heir in my will... after a few decades of use!
Review by bigzboy /
(Posted on 8/9/2018)

Bang for the buck!

Overall

I have head phones that cost 10 times as thes do. I purchased them because my brother had a pair in the 70 and I would “borrow” them on occasion. I also had my own pair but not this model and they sounded great!
Anyways, I guess I purchased them for nastalgic reasons. I saw them on the show Legion and the memories came flooding back. I have to say they sound amazing!! Especially for this price. Hook them up to my stereo, put on some classic vinyl and I was blown away!
If your debating if you should buy a pair, do it!! You won’t be disappointed!!!
Review by Paul /
(Posted on 4/4/2018)

absolutely the best...

Overall

I tried a lot of headphones and decided on the Pro4AA's because they were the best of the bunch. Bought them at least 30 years ago. They are a little worse for wear now, but I've passed them down to my daughter. The fluid in the cushions has evaporated but they still sound very good. I'll probably get another set for the next 30 years.
Review by chillycoot /
(Posted on 3/14/2018)

The standard in headphones.

Overall

Some may disagree with me on this, but the Pro4AA has been around so long that it really deserves the title of standard by which other headphones are evaluated. Yes, there are esoteric electrostatic headphones out there, but for studio, station or home use, these are the headphones you see and have seen for over five decades. I have only two sets of headphones, the Pro4AA and the HV-1LC and have not found another headphone out there that provides the evenness of frequency response, nor the spectrum of sound these can. KOSS stands for headphones and their headphones stand for quality. The Pro4AA is a living legend.
Review by Don R. /
(Posted on 2/22/2018)

WHY BUY ANYTHING ELSE

Overall

I bought 2 Pro 4AAs in the 70's to go with my Sansui 9090db receiver, TEAC A-3340S simul-sync 4 channel reel-to-reel and various other at that time high end stereo equipment. Anybody remember the Pacific Stereo stores? Well, the only survivors today are the reel-to-reel and these awesome headphones. The ear pads are still holding out and the sound is as good today as it was over 40 plus years ago and is second to none. I wear them at work every day to shut out the constant chatter. Shop around if you want to but I strongly recommend the Pro 4AAs. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. You'll want to add these to your will because they will definitely outlive you.
Review by Garcia /
(Posted on 10/10/2017)

Awesome Headphones-Warranty Repair Excellent

Overall

I purchased my first pair of Pro4AA's in the military in 1975 and have used them since. One day I noticed one channel that was in and out concurrent with the coiled cord movement. I sent them in for repair and was disappointed to get a call saying they didn't have parts to repair mine, however I pleasantly surprised to hear they do replace them, so I'm getting a new pair for another 40 years of use (although my new pair will most likely outlive me). Excellent service! I'm a Koss owner for life!! Sound great too!!
Review by Scottcvp1 /
(Posted on 10/3/2017)

Best headphones I've ever owned!!

Overall

I've had probably 20 different pairs of monitor type headphones in my life. These have outperformed each and every one. I will never say to my guy on the board, "Hey, I need more monitor!!" Never again. Only ones better would be something like some Beyerdynamic, thousand dollar monitors...
Review by Heyazzo /
(Posted on 9/26/2017)

The Best Headphones I've ever Used !

Overall

Best Headphones on Vocals and Pretty decent on Playbacks (Beats)
Plus very very very Solid.
I will never miss them !
Review by Raben Muzik /
(Posted on 4/21/2017)

Been using them since the 1970's

Overall

I've been using these stereophones since the 1970's, when Mr. Koss (John, the founder) gave them to me as a gift....my dad and him were friends. I was a young teenage DJ at WOMT 1240 Radio in Manitowoc, WI. I was the envy of the staff. They all used old tinny headsets, and mine sounded great. I eventually I ended up in Dallas, and then LA, then back to WI, and the Pro4AA's have followed me around the country. They're still awesome!
Review by Flyboy Curt /
(Posted on 3/13/2017)

Durable, great value

Overall

Bought my PRO4AA in the summer of 1974. Still perform perfectly, only changes have been one or two sets of ear cushions. Very few things I own have lasted over 40 years, these headphones are an enduring value!
Review by PR /
(Posted on 2/20/2017)

Have used Koss Pro4AA as a broadcaster for nearly 40 years

Overall

Awesome cans!!!
Review by Uncle John /
(Posted on 11/10/2016)

Hall of Fame

Overall

I was an on air personality in Atlanta for 32 years and my Pro4AA's were with me everyday! (I have pictures!)
Review by Radio Guy /
(Posted on 10/9/2016)

Great Cans............

Overall

These are incredible with a Xonar Essence sound card The normal built in sound card in a computer doesn't have enough power for 250 ohm Headphones But with the add in card these Head phones ROCK Just make sure you are listening to high bit-rate music.......
Review by TFJ /
(Posted on 6/25/2016)

Still the gold standard.

Overall

I have had a pair of these headphones for fifteen years. They still sound better than nearly anything on the market, and won't put you back as much as some of the flashier names. Even if you do have problems with them, the lifetime guarnetee is there to make sure you're covered. These are the only headphones I recommend for any serious work. Accept no substitute.
Review by DM /
(Posted on 5/1/2016)

There is nothing else

Overall

I first encountered the Pro4AA's when I first started working in broadcasting as the station I worked at had 12 pairs and was amazed by the accuracy and durability. At that time I was doing some of the longest weekend shifts and would have them on 12 to 14 hours at a time sometimes and and many hours in production and editing as well. The only problem they had back then was the ear cushions were oil filled and the other problem was women and hair products. The cushions would tend to harden and eventually crack because of the hair chemicals and our own natural body hair oil and sweat. Around that time Koss implemented a improvement made with a different grade of polymer to overcome that and they are no longer oil filled. Our engineering department had an open account with them for parts and we did all our own repairs and I have serviced many sets through the years for either damaged cables or cushions or user imposed damages but the drivers and frames were usually never an issue and these would get beat and worked hard every day. In the 80s I owned both a pair of double and triple A's and lost them in a relationship split, suffice to say I miss the headphones :) I still work live sound and I have used dozens of other brands but nothing even comes close to the sound and durability of the AA's and 40 years later I am looking at a set of the Titaniums. The AA's are a bit heavy but that's part of their sound and what keeps them immune to the outside sounds around you and thats what real metal feels like which is why they last. There is nothing better for accurate sound reproduction and detail and day in day out durability. I live 80 miles from where they are made and they have always stood behind every piece of the products they make. This is the definition of legendary, which is why they have stood the test of time. Make no mistake, there is nothing else......other than maybe a different model more suited for your needs but these were the catalyst of it all and all the other manufacturers worldwide have been chasing them ever since.
Review by Original Madman John /
(Posted on 4/26/2016)

A top-grade classic!

Overall

I bought my first pair of Koss Pro 4 AA 'phones back in the middle '70s, while employed selling stereo gear. They were outstanding performers then and a great value for the price, and still are! No wonder the model has lasted this long! My original pair finally gave out in 2013, after A 37-year life span!
Review by 930Turbo /
(Posted on 4/20/2016)

Great company

Overall

They stand behind their products 100 percent, and their quality and value can't be beat.
What more can you ask for!
Review by dj /
(Posted on 3/16/2016)

Best Headphones I've ever used

Overall

I have owned and used the Pro4A headphones since I was in the USAF in 1970. They were dutifully repaired one time under warranty and perform extremely well. Much better than other 'phones I've used it garbs the nuances of source and especially the transcribed music from my Linn Sondek turntable.
Review by Rick /
(Posted on 2/24/2016)

Design Classic (great sound but not for mobile devices)

Overall

I have two pairs bought approx 10 years apart which have radically different voice coil impedance. The 1974 pair have impedance of 22 ohms and the 1984 pair 220 ohms. I believe current production voice coils are 250 ohms. The 22 ohm pair are easy to drive and give acceptable SPL from iOS devices and mobile phones. The others do not and therefore require a portable headphone amplifier to give adequate SPL on mobile devices.

Regarding the Lifetime Warranty (or should that read Limited Lifetime Warranty?), I have had no response to my request to have both pairs repaired as the plastic guides for the headphone bands have both broken. It is always very disappointing when manufacturer claims are not met. I will update my review if Koss honour their lifetime warranty promise.
Review by Melchet /
(Posted on 1/6/2016)

I am speechless...the best

Overall

Better than Sennheiser ...and stylish vintage and absolute in performance ..the best ..Koss ..you amazing Guys and your Founder ..My Grand grand uncle was Gene Krupa ...Jazz man and same great as a Koss musician ...Absolute best ..I love this product for outstanding Quality style and price
Review by Bo Krupa /
(Posted on 11/30/2015)

Pro 4AA

Overall

Understand they are 'studio' headphones, extra connection port, etc. I bought my 1st set WAY back in late 1972/early 1973. While in the service, shipped them 3X across country--they were flawless. The oil-filled pads wore out. Bought the 2nd set from Sam Goody's in NYC after 4+ years. Had NO idea about the warranty at the time. NEXT set WILL be, again, PRO4AA's!!!

Pros: BEST quality sound I've had since 1973

Cons: Weight (but I can live with it)
Review by shooter1 /
(Posted on 4/23/2015)

This is it!

Overall

To this day I won't settle for any other brand than Koss & these headphones are the reason! I bought mine around 1976 in CA but they, along with my entire music collection were stolen in 1979. Recommend, heck Yeah!!

Pros: This is the ideal, the one against all others are judged

Cons: The price (When I bought mine they were about $30)
Review by Frostbite /
(Posted on 2/27/2015)

Pro 4AA

Overall

Bought these in 1978. Used them until they were worn out at least 20yrs. had them in a cabinet for years then found out they were guaranteed for life .Sent them back to Koss and they sent me a new set. After 38 yrs they still stand behind their phones and they sound incredible couldn't be happier .

Pros: Company stands behind their products

Cons: heavy but built like a tank
Review by Randazzo /
(Posted on 1/24/2015)

Years and years of fab service

Overall

Bestest headphones ever. I must have had them nearly 40 years and they are as good as new! Once, one of the 'speakers' became loose so I sent them to Koss for repair - they did a full service - everything, new 'speakers', foams and cushions and at a very reasonable cost. That must have been 20 years ago!!! These are absolutely THE BEST!!!

Pros: Wonderful!

Cons: None at all.
Review by Scimitar man /
(Posted on 1/10/2015)

Koss Pro 4AA

Overall

When I order these, shall be my 4th set since about 1971-72. They have traveled with me through my time in the service, been moved a number of times around the country, in boxes/trunks/car-trunks. Only problems I've had is getting the oil-filled ear-pads replaced. Other than that, they REALLY shut out most outside noise, has full/rich bass response, magnificent overall sound.

Pros: Magnificent sound, very full range, massive bass response

Cons: They do weigh a bit more than most may care for.
Review by soupboy54 /
(Posted on 12/27/2014)

Unequalled

Overall

I purchased my "AA's" in '72 and use them almost daily. I have gone through several sets of pads but other than that they are still the set I go to when I want to listen to music in a busy room. Someday I should swap the 1/4" phone plug for the current 1/8" I tried the expensive noise canceling brand but these are more comfortable and just a quiet; maybe more so.

Pros: Audio quality, construction

Cons: A little heavy but weight is well distributed
Review by L. A. Weber /
(Posted on 10/10/2014)

The studio standard...

Overall

I used these phones from 1977 till 1987 and beyond. I assume the original owner still has them. They were used to record and mix tracks in our small studio along with some other types. These were the favorites. They isolated you from room noise and they didn't lie. For the money and considering their anvil-like construction it was a fine deal. I hope Koss still uses the same materials and methods...though not the best sounding phones on the planet they are great for laying-down tracks. Use the high-end jobs for mastering.

I grew up with these headphones after my father bought them in the 1970's. They have been used, abused, and continued to perform flawlessly for decades! Over time the ear cups deflated, the foam headband was lost, and they began to collect dust in the basement until I heard about Koss's lifetime warranty. I sent them in 2 weeks ago, and for only the cost of shipping they cleaned them up, repaired the headband, replaced the ear cups, and installed new drivers and wire. I just got them back today, and I am blown away by the sound quality. I would highly recommend not only these headphones, but this company for their help and support, and the obvious pride they take in their products (even the decades-old ones)! I'm not sure that I will need new stereophones for a long time yet, but if I do, my next ones will be Koss.

Pros: High quality, amazing warranty/customer service

Cons: None
Review by Berkowwm /
(Posted on 4/4/2014)

Phenomenal

Overall

I was very excited to use these in conjunction with my Old Sansui receiver and Yamaha CD player, and the first time I plugged in, I was shocked. Not by how good it sounded, though, rather how different it sounded. I've always had to tinker with EQ levels with other headphones (usually around Bass - 10 Treble - 8) and I immediately noticed alack of bass compared to what I was used to. But after a minute or two I realized I didn't need that because these phones play music the way the artist/producer wanted it to be heard. PRO4AA is incredibly balanced; I am very satisfied.

Pros: EXTREMELY Balanced

Cons: Weight, but doesn't really matter to me with this sound quality
Review by JennyJenny /
(Posted on 1/24/2014)

22 years and still impeccable delivery

Overall

Still crazy after all these years! :-)

Pros: Rugged and pleasing delivery

Cons: Generous padding but could have been a touch softer.
Review by Jimmy Dingle /
(Posted on 10/29/2013)

PRO4AA

Overall

I have used PRO4AA for about 15 years. The warranty has replaced the phones several times because the joints that hold the band together comes apart and have so many gluings before I send in for repair. Also the insulation on the cord after several years will crack to the point of needing replacing. As a licensed broadcast engineer, now retired, I need critical headphones that seal out the sound so that I can hear audio. These headphones are excellent for critical listening and to hear problems in audio. But again they are heavy and when I have filled in doing a music shift so that college students can study for term exams, I find them a bit overwhelming after six hours of wearing. I would use these headphones in a top notch recording studio or where critical listening is important.

I am, admittedly, a KOSS collector - I have an example of every single (full-sized) model of Dynamic and Electrostatic KOSS have ever made! The 4AA is the exception - I have exactly 100 mint, boxed examples from 1974 to 2007 -Anniversary Specials - you name it. Ok, I'm a KOSS nut. I use 5 pairs in my professional studio and these all date from September 1977 - not a single fault in over a half-million hours of monitoring rock music and jazz! So good they're Spooky.

Pros: Everything; they even smell nice

Cons: zilch
Review by Ventura /
(Posted on 9/5/2013)

Review update

Overall

Glad to see the return of the metal frame around the earpieces. These phones are best for analog listening, though digital sound's amazing as well. You won't find a better headphone for the price, like to see the Pro 4 AAA’s remade as well. For the revival of the vinyl LP, these phones are the best companion to vinyl listening.

Pros: Solid bass,gorgeous midrange

Cons: Earpad foam could be better quaility,known to deteriorate
Review by Mantooth /
(Posted on 8/22/2013)

Owned since 1977 - found **NOTHING BETTER**!

Overall

I purchased my Pro4-AA headphones in 1977 while I was in college in TX after auditioning many other sets at numerous high-end stereo stores. Honestly, I could have spent a lot more money but nothing sounded better than these for under $200 (1977 dollars). During the short time that Koss discontinued the Pro4-AA I had at least two professional Sound Engineers try to buy my set for a lot more than I originally spent for them. Guess what... its 2013 and I still have my original set. I was ecstatic to find out that Koss will still repair them! I'm sending mine in for a rebuild and eagerly anticipating a reunion with "my old friend". 2nd generation - Just bought a pair for my 18 year old son and he is AMAZED by their sound. I absolutely (without qualification) recommend these headphones to anyone who really wants to hear everything in their music. Just remember to take them off every once in a while because they are a little heavy and slightly tight on the ears.

Pros: Great presence, low bass through high treble. Fantastic isolation!

Cons: Weight
Review by SC /
(Posted on 8/15/2013)

PRO4AA

Overall

I am looking at my 3rd set of the Pro4AA since 1972

Pros: Terrific base response, equally great mid/treble

Cons: weight
Review by soupboy54 /
(Posted on 7/10/2013)

Pro4AA

Overall

I bought mine in High School in 1969. They've been with me ever since. Navy usage in barracks, x-country trips, survived 2 kids. went thru 3 pair of pads. They are finally wearing out no treble on Leftside, and the headband is shot so another pair will be gotten for me for Father's day.

Pros: Survivors!!!

Cons: Heavy but you build muscles in yer neck
Review by Larry /
(Posted on 4/28/2013)

KOSS

Overall

SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION, DURABLE AND BUILT TO LAST (not for the weak of heart weekend warrior) I HAVE PERSONALLY TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT SETS OF HEADPHONES, and BELIEVE ME - YOU, THESE "KOSS PRO4AA HEADPHONES" BEAT THE BAND, HANDS DOWN. P.S. - I'VE BEEN USING "KOSS" AUDIO PRODUCTS EVER SINCE I FOUND THEM, THE "NEWER PRODUCTS" PALE BY COMPARISON TO THE FAR SUPERIOR "KOSS" PRODUCT LINE.

Pros: PRO4AA - SUPERB LISTENING FIDELITY

Cons: NONE
Review by KevinP. /
(Posted on 4/28/2013)

How I sound in my Head!

Overall

I'm a DJ on a Morning Show. The ONLY issue I have is they weigh a ton, and with them on my head for long periods of time, they can cause discomfort. Duh, take them off. It's just a habit you have to get into....but the sound quality is worth the discomfort.

Pros: Isolation, Sound Quality

Cons: Weight
Review by KC /
(Posted on 1/19/2013)

Koss Pro-4AA

Overall

I first purchased these in 1978, and am already on my 3rd pair. The Pro4AAs are incredible sounding and rival phones twice their price. The bass is tight with no muddyness and delivers the best highs you''ll ever hear. The olive green color that was fab in the 70's may not appeal to everyone, also the padding can be a bit uncomfortable after a few hours use. Don't buy into this headphone ''break in'' nonesense, these sound fantastic right out of the box.

Pros: Superb bass, incredible midrange

Cons: A bit heavy, padding could be improved
Review by Mantooth /
(Posted on 1/18/2013)

CLARITY CLARITY CLARITY

Overall

I remember they had great low end, tremendous midrange. A very popular headphone of the 70's. The Pro 4AA headphones are equal with Sennheiser HD dries and AKG 240M headphones.

Pros: Comfort Midrange and Intelligent imaging

Cons: Bulky not a sleeping headphone!
Review by chokely /
(Posted on 1/8/2013)

Headphones PRO 4 AA

Overall

If You are looking for incredible Headphones this is it. Period. Do You get it. Period.

Pros: Incredible

Cons: None
Review by Audio NUT /
(Posted on 12/28/2012)

Excellence personified

Overall

I have owned three of these headphones over the last forty years and have never found another headphone to come close to their performance. My son and grandson also swear by them (both are professional musicians). I really don't want to use any other headphones - and often prefer listening through my Koss headphones over using my Bose speaker system for music and movies.

I inherited this pair of Pro4AAs from my Great Grandfather who bought them back in the '70s, and they've been working well ever since. They are certainly some of the best sounding headphones that I have ever used, with full response even down to 20 Hz. I lost audio in one of the earpieces, and had to send them in to Koss for repairs, then had to send them back a second time as they broke right after I took them out of the return box. Now for every return from now on, they're asking me to pay for shipping, which isn't really a problem, considering that it's a lifetime warranty.

I've owned these headphones since their early 70's. The lifetime warranty on these headphones is fantastic. I've replaced them 3 times so far. After about 10 or so years, the internal wiring will somehow come loose and I start to lose sound in one of the ear cups unless I wiggle the outside wire. The sound is so incredible and fantastic. Very accurate sounding notes.

Pros: Sound Quality

Cons: Internal wiring
Review by Cigarjohn /
(Posted on 6/5/2012)

4A & 4AA

Overall

Pros: Good isolation, great freq. response, nice ear cushions

Cons: strain relief could do better on the long haulI have both the 4 A and 4AA both are simply a great easy to live with headset. The 4A I have had since about 1971 and the 4AA since about 1980. I have not heard any that sound that much better or are as easy to have on for extended periods. The 4A is now used with a boom mine for amateur radio and the 4AA for music.
Review by Clif /
(Posted on 6/5/2012)

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The Original American Stereophone Company

Ever since I invented the world's first SP/3 Stereophone back in 1958, Koss Stereophones have been bringing back the excitement of a live performance. Music lovers around the world recognize that dedication to accuracy in sound reproduction as: The Sound of Koss®